Tag Archives: Sweden

Gaming

Everything You Need to Know About Choosing the Right Online Casino in 2026

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The online casino industry has changed dramatically over the past few years, and 2026 is no exception. With hundreds of operators vying for players’ attention, navigating the digital gaming landscape can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re an experienced player or a beginner who is just starting to explore the world of online casino, there are a number of factors that you should consider before signing up with a platform.

This guide is designed to help you understand what separates a good casino from a bad one, which bonuses are actually worth taking advantage of, and how you can gamble responsibly without risking more than you can afford to lose.

Licences and regulation – the basis for safe gaming

One of the most important factors when choosing an online casino is the licensing. In Sweden, the gambling market is regulated by the Swedish Gambling Authority, which requires all operators targeting Swedish players to hold a Swedish license. These requirements were introduced in 2019 and have since been further tightened to protect consumers.

A licensed operator must comply with strict requirements regarding gambling restrictions, responsible gaming and anti-money laundering measures. This means, among other things, that you as a player can set deposit and loss limits, take a break from gambling and use Spelpaus – the national self-exclusion register.

However, it is important to note that there are players who actively opt out of licensed Swedish casinos. The reasons vary – some prefer a wider range of games, higher bonuses, or more generous terms and conditions. If you are considering gambling without a Swedish license, it is crucial that you understand the risks and consequences involved, including that you are not covered by Swedish consumer protection and that any winnings may be complicated by tax and legal aspects.

The range of games – quality over quantity

When evaluating an online casino, you should look carefully at the game selection. It’s not enough for a casino to offer thousands of titles – the quality and variety play a big role. The best casinos in 2026 offer a wide range of:

Slot machines (slots): These form the backbone of most casinos’ offerings. Modern slot machines from reputable providers such as NetEnt, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, and Microgaming offer everything from classic fruit machines to complex video slots with advanced bonus features, progressive jackpots, and engaging themes.

Table Games: Blackjack, roulette, baccarat and poker are classics that never lose their popularity. A good casino offers multiple variations of each game to cater to different players’ preferences and strategies.

Live casino: In recent years, the live casino has exploded in popularity. With real equipment and professional dealers that you interact with via video stream, you can experience the feel of a physical casino from the comfort of your home. Evolution Gaming dominates this sector but the competition is steadily increasing.

Jackpot Games: For those who dream of winning life-changing sums, progressive jackpot games are a must. Titles like Mega Moolah and Hall of Gods have turned ordinary players into multi-millionaires.

Bonuses and promotions – understand the fine print

Bonuses are one of the most powerful tools that casinos use to attract new players and retain existing customers. But behind the enticing headlines about “free spins” and “match bonuses” often hides complex terms and conditions that can make it difficult to actually withdraw your winnings.

The most common bonus types include:

  • Welcome bonus: A bonus offered to new players upon registration and/or first deposit. Often a percentage match of the deposit amount.
  • Free spins: Spins on slot machines at no cost, sometimes without a deposit requirement.
  • Reload bonuses: Offers to existing players on recurring deposits.
  • Loyalty programs: Systems where you earn points for every krona wagered, which can then be exchanged for bonus funds or other perks.

The most important thing to look at is the wagering requirements. A 35x requirement means you have to bet the bonus amount 35 times before you can withdraw any winnings. The lower the wagering requirement, the better for the player. Casinos with wagering requirements under 25x are generally considered generous, while requirements over 50x make it almost impossible to actually cash out bonus winnings.

Payment Methods and Withdrawals

Fast and smooth transactions are a sign of a reputable casino. In Sweden in 2026, Swish, Trustly, and bank transfers are the most common payment methods. Many casinos also offer cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, giving players extra anonymity and often faster transactions.

Always check:

  • Minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal amounts
  • Processing time for withdrawals
  • Any fees for transactions
  • Verification requirements (KYC – Know Your Customer)

Serious casinos carry out payouts within 24–72 hours after the verification process is completed. If a casino consistently delays payments or sets unreasonable requirements, it’s a warning sign.

Customer service and technical support

A casino that cares about its players offers accessible and competent customer service. Looking for casinos that offer live chat around the clock, preferably in Swedish. Email support and FAQ sections are great additions, but nothing replaces the ability to quickly get in touch with a real human when problems arise.

Feel free to test the customer service before you sign up – ask a simple question and see how quickly and professionally they respond. This will give you a good indication of how they will handle any issues in the future.

Mobile-friendliness and technology

At a time when the majority of gambling takes place via mobile devices, it is crucial that the casino works seamlessly on smartphones and tablets. The best platforms of 2026 offer responsive websites or dedicated apps that provide as smooth an experience as the desktop version.

Fast loading times, intuitive interface, and flawless functionality are minimum requirements – not luxury features.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right online casino is not about finding the one with the biggest signposted bonuses or the coolest design. It’s about finding a platform that combines security, fair play, great service, and a range that matches your personal preferences. Take the time to compare options, read reviews from other players, and always prioritize responsible gambling. Remember that casino should basically be entertainment – not a source of income.

Gaming

The Gambling Market 2026: How Swedish Players Navigate Licensing Rules and International Options

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The Swedish gaming landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. Since the regulated gambling market was introduced in Sweden, the debate about what is actually best for players has never quieted down. On the one hand, there are the licensed operators that follow the guidelines of the Swedish Gambling Authority, on the other hand, international casinos attract with more generous bonuses and a wider range of games. For Swedish players, it is ultimately about understanding their options – and what each option means in practice.

The background of Swedish gambling regulation

On January 1, 2019, the Swedish gambling regulation came into force, and with it came the requirement that all casinos that cater to Swedish players must have a license from the Swedish Gambling Authority. The idea was good: protect players, fight gambling addiction and ensure that tax revenues stay in Sweden. The system entailed, among other things, mandatory self-exclusion via Spelpaus, deposit caps and strict advertising rules.

But as with most regulations, a grey area quickly emerged. Many operators chose not to apply for a Swedish license and still continued to receive Swedish customers via licenses from Malta, Curaçao or Gibraltar. The Swedish Gambling Authority has blocked some sites, but the internet is difficult to close. The result is that a large number of Swedish players still actively choose to play on sites outside the Swedish licensing system.

Why do players choose international options?

The question that many people ask themselves is: why does a player choose a foreign casino over one with a Swedish license? The answer is more complex than you might think.

Bonuses and promotions are one of the most obvious reasons. Swedish licenses place strict restrictions on how operators can market their offers. Welcome bonuses are strictly regulated, and players cannot take advantage of the more generous packages that foreign casinos offer. It can be hundreds of kronor in extra bonuses, free spins without wagering requirements and cashback offers that simply do not exist on the Swedish market.

The range of games is another factor. International casinos often have agreements with a wider range of game providers and may offer game titles that are not available on Swedish platforms. Some providers choose not to operate under strictly regulated markets, which means that exclusive gaming experiences end up outside the Swedish system.

Payment methods also play a big role. Services such as Trustly and BankID dominate the Swedish market, but many players prefer cryptocurrencies, e-wallets, or other anonymous payment methods. These are often more available with non-Swedish operators.

What does it mean to gamble abroad?

It is important to be informed before making decisions. For Swedish players who are considering playing without a Swedish license, there are several things to consider. Above all, it is about player safety. Casinos licensed by well-known jurisdictions such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority are generally considered safer than those with a Curaçao license, although the latter is still common.

Another aspect is the tax issue. According to Swedish tax rules, winnings from casinos that do not have a Swedish license are taxable. This means that players are technically required to declare their winnings, which creates an administrative burden that most people don’t reflect on when they sign up. Swedish casinos with a license, on the other hand, are exempt from taxation of gambling winnings for the player.

Furthermore, you lose access to Spelpaus if you play outside the Swedish system. Spelpaus is a unique tool that allows players to block themselves from all Swedish licensed operators with a single registration. It’s a powerful safety net for those struggling with gambling addiction.

Responsible gambling in a global context

No matter where you choose to play, responsible gambling is crucial. International casinos do have their own responsible gambling tools – deposit limits, self-exclusion, and support resources – but they are rarely as integrated and effective as the Swedish solutions. Organizations like Stödlinjen and Spelberoendes Riksförbund offer help regardless of where you play, and it’s always smart to be aware of these resources.

It’s also worth noting that 2026 has been marked by increased discussion about harmonizing European gambling laws. The EU has taken steps toward a more unified regulatory framework, which could change the conditions for how international casinos can operate for European consumers. If and when such a framework comes into effect, it could mean that the line between “licensed” and “unlicensed” may become a bit blurred – but for now, it’s still a relevant distinction. Tips for finding a safe international casino If you as a Swedish player still choose to explore international options, there are a few guidelines to follow:

1. Check license information – Always choose casinos with a license from recognized authorities such as the MGA or UKGC. 2. Read the terms and conditions carefully – Generous bonuses can hide high wagering requirements. 3. Test the customer service – A responsive and professional support in Swedish is a good sign. 4. Check reviews – Sites that collect unbiased reviews from real players are invaluable resources. 5. Set limits – Regardless of the casino, always set personal deposit and loss limits. 6. Be aware of the tax – Consult a tax advisor if you win larger sums.

The future of the Swedish gambling market

The Swedish Gambling Authority has intensified its efforts in 2026 to curb illegal marketing and block rogue operators. At the same time, several players have chosen to apply for, or renew, their Swedish license – a sign that the market is maturing. But players vote with their clicks, and the figures circulating in the industry clearly show that interest in international options is still very strong.

The competition also forces Swedish licensed casinos to improve their offerings. We’ve seen a clear trend towards more loyalty programs, improved mobile experiences, and more flexible payment solutions – all in response to the pressure created by international players.

Final Thoughts

The gambling market in 2026 is dynamic, complex, and full of choices for Swedish players. Whether you choose a licensed casino or an international option, the most important thing is that you gamble informed, responsibly, and with a full understanding of the rules that apply. The market will continue to evolve, the rules may change – but the basic principle remains the same: knowledge is your best safeguard at the casino table.

Politics

Ceasefire Violations In Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

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Joint Statement from the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) on the Situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Via our friends at the US State Department Office of the Spokesperson

March 6, 2026

The Governments of the United States of America, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, chaired by Sweden, issue the following statement on situation in the eastern DRC:

The ICG expresses its profound concern regarding the continued and recent violations in eastern DRC of the ceasefires upheld by the signing of the Washington Accords on 4 December 2025 and the commitment in Doha on 19 July 2025 to a permanent ceasefire and a permanent cessation of hostilities. Such violations include the use of drones in military attacks which also pose an acute risk to civilian populations. All parties involved should urgently and unequivocally recommit to ceasing the hostilities and return to negotiations.

There can be no military solution to the conflict.

We urge all parties to fully implement their obligations and commitments made under the Washington Accords and the Doha process and to comply with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 2773 and 2808, and the full respect of territorial integrity. The ICG commends the ongoing mediation by the AU-appointed mediator, Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council of the Republic of Togo, and the Panel of Facilitators, as well as the crucial mediation conducted by the US and Qatar. We welcome the efforts by Qatar, the ICGLR and MONUSCO to establish a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism. We recall the importance of creating conditions for an inclusive inter-Congolese dialogue with all key Congolese stakeholders – a necessary element for durable peace in the DRC – and welcome the consultations undertaken by the Republic of Angola.

We stand ready to support these efforts.

The ICG calls on all parties to honor their obligations to respect international humanitarian law and to ensure full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to enable critical assistance to those in need. We welcome positive steps forward such as the commitments by governments and actors in the region to improve and facilitate humanitarian access, including following the visit of EU Commissioner Lahbib; the reopening of the border between the DRC and Burundi; and the use of the Goma airport during the recent visit to Goma by MONUSCO Interim Head and Special Representative of the Secretary-General van de Perre, which should lead to the sustained reopening of the Goma airport for humanitarian flights.

The ICG further calls on parties to stop incitement to hatred, discrimination or violence, including against Rwandophone minorities, and other actions that gravely endanger civilian populations and social cohesion.

Fashion

Golden Concept x BLVCK – A Fusion of Swedish Luxury And Parisian Elegance

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A superb gift idea for the Apple watch lover looking for “style meets form and function”.

New York, NY– December , 2024 – Following the resounding success of their first collaboration, Golden Concept, the Swedish leader in ultra-luxurious Apple Watch accessories, and Blvck Paris, famed for its ‘All Black’ luxury lifestyle brand, are thrilled to unveil their latest joint venture: a meticulously designed Apple Watch case. This second collaboration pushes the boundaries of luxury and sophistication, further blending the timeless elegance of Parisian minimalism with Swedish craftsmanship.


The New Collection


The new collection introduces a premium case tailored for Apple Watch users who demand both style and functionality. The case is crafted from high-quality, all-black translucent nylon with meticulous detailing in black stainless steel, reflecting the distinct design philosophy that made their first collection a global success. The case is designed in 49mm for Apple Watch Ultra models, offering a versatile and elegant option for any tech enthusiast. Whether you’re a tech aficionado or a fashion enthusiast, this second release reaffirms the power of luxury in everyday wearables.


“After the incredible response to our initial collaboration, we knew we had to come together again,” said Puia Shamsossadati, CEO and Creative Director of Golden Concept. “This time, we wanted to create something equally luxurious yet more versatile, offering our customers a refined accessory that complements both their tech and their personal style.”
Julian O’hayon, Founder and CEO of Blvck Paris, shared his excitement: “Collaborating with Golden Concept once more feels natural. Our brands share a vision of modern luxury, and this collection of Apple Watch cases allows us to expand that vision, offering something bold and refined to our customers. We’re confident this next chapter will resonate just as strongly.”

The limited-edition case is now available on GoldenConcept.com and at Select Golden Concept and Blvck Stores priced at $899USD/ $1,275

About Blvck Paris


Blvck Paris is a luxury lifestyle brand founded in 2017 by French designer Julian O’hayon. The brand has developed an engaged community of millions of social media followers and customers worldwide. Blvck is known for its ‘All Black’ clothing, accessories, and digital goods. Blvck strives to pioneer an aspirational lifestyle from visual content to merchandise, pursuing quality and design. To date, the brand opened stores worldwide in California, Tokyo, Taipei, Taichung, Hong Kong and Macau.

Philanthropy

Speedrunning (Beating Videogames Fast As Possible) Champs Playing For Make A Wish

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For the first time this year, the European Speedrunner Assembly (ESA) is set to host their recurring speedrunning event, where gamers aim to conquer video games at record speeds and showcase mind-blowing talents.

For the first time ever, ESA is teaming up with Make-A-Wish International — an organization dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of children facing critical illnesses. Last year, ESA Winter and Summer collectively raised an impressive $200,000 for Alzheimer’s research. ESA Winter is taking place right now in Malmö until February 24th. 

Set in Malmö, Sweden, the event will revolve around gaming, entertainment, and interactive fundraising. An onsite global audience of several hundred attendees are already interacting, accompanied by a substantial online viewership exceeding two million. Both the onsite and online audience have the opportunity to actively support the charity, for example, by donating $25 to influence the course of the games or to support various shows and performances, such as a Ikea furniture building duel or rhythmic displays.

Last year, Make-A-Wish International granted more than 19,500 wishes to children living with critical illnesses around the world, including more than 5000 gaming and entertainment wishes. They are the second most popular type of wish granted by the charity, after travel wishes.

Ida Lidholt, one of the ESA organizers says: “We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Make-A-Wish International. ESA Winter is a festival where gamers and the community unite. Through video games and speed, we level up to raise funds for children living with critical illnesses. It is heart-wrenching to witness the struggles of these kids. If we can alleviate their burden even a little by helping them fulfil their wishes, it holds profound significance for us.”

Luciano Manzo, President & CEO, Make-A-Wish International says: “Children undergoing treatment for critical illness can experience anxiety, loss of hope, and isolation from friends and loved ones. For many of these children, gaming offers them a sense of escape, helps them connect with friends and distracts them from their long and often difficult treatment journeys. That’s why gaming and entertainment wishes are so popular among wish children. The funds raised from ESA Winter 2024 will help continue to grant these types of wishes and many others. We are so grateful to ESA and the gaming community for helping make wishes come true with this event.”

ESA is globally livestreamed on Twitch.tv/esamarathon. Viewers are urged to contribute during the broadcast, with opportunities to, for instance, name game characters, present challenges to players, or vie for fantastic prizes. By backing ESA and Make-A-Wish, everyone can play a role in fulfilling the wishes of children living with critical illnesses. Support the talented speedrunners and participate in the fundraising—tune in to ESA and make a donation!

Follow the event at www.twitch.tv/esamarathon

About ESA 

European Speedrunner Assembly (ESA) is a biannual charity marathon dedicated to video game speedrunning, held in Sweden. Since its inception in 2012, these events have collectively raised over one million dollars for various charitable causes.

The two main flagship events, ESA Winter and ESA Summer, occur annually in February and July, respectively, each spanning seven days. Beyond these, ESA also organizes smaller speedrunning gatherings such as ESA Legends, a five-day in-person event uniting top RPG speedrunners, and Break the Record: Live, a three-day competition aimed at breaking world records in specified games and categories.

About Make-A-Wish International

Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in 1980, Make-A-Wish is the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization, having granted more than 585,000 wishes in 50 countries worldwide. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 27,000 volunteers around the globe, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child living with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. For more information about Make-A-Wish International, visit worldwish.org

Culture

For Many European Countries, National Flower Is Second Only To Flag In Importance

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Many non-native plants can happily survive in other regions of the world, which has given gardeners more choice than ever before. However, native flowers and plants can summarize the landscape of a nation, while communicating the identity of a country.

For many countries the national flower is second only to the national flag as the most important national symbol, while communicating the identity of a country.

European National Flowers Infographic

Did you work on this visual? Claim credit here.

Finance

There Are New Forms Of Money On The Horizon

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Take a look at these transactional trends to see how you might be spending your money in the future.

What does the future hold for the way we pay?

Paying for your purchases used to be to the most straightforward task around, you’d exchange your coins with the cashier and in return you’d receive your goods. Simple. But today, a modest transaction can involve some serious tech.

Whilst everything in the world seems to be making a switch to digital, money is no exception. Gone are the days of signing signatures, punching in pins and certainly, counting coins, but the advancements show no sign of stopping. As contactless method currently seems to offer the most convenient method of payment – it begs the question of what could possibly come next.

The use of physical cash is dwindling as more and more options become available to consumers.

Consider how the Corona virus lock downs have also affected the use of physical cash:  businesses and retail either favor interac and credit cards or outright refuse the use of cash transactions. Look to the infographic below for three of the most prominent examples of the way our spending habits are currently evolving.  For the Silo, Danielle Mowbray /creditangel.co.uk

Future of spending with digital money

Travel

Rankings Of One Day Cost At Over 300 Beaches Worldwide

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Amsterdam, Netherlands, – Online travel specialists, TravelBird, have released their annual Beach Price Index, featuring more than 300 seaside locations from 70 countries around the globe. On a year-to-year basis, the price of holiday beaches can change substantially when you take into account factors such as currency fluctuation and inflation. As a company which prides itself on inspiring travelers, TravelBird ranked the beaches in order to provide holidaymakers with the information they need to make a smart decision when booking.

TravelBird first examined an extensive catalogue of the world’s most popular beaches, before reducing this to a final shortlist of just over 300 locations, ranked on the cost of spending a day at each. To calculate their affordability, the price of five essentials were then researched for each destination: the cost of a bottle of sun cream (200 ml), a bottle of water (500 ml), a beer (33 cl bottle), lunch (including drink and dessert for one person), and an ice cream. The sum of these five essentials determined the final affordability ranking of each seaside location. All prices were calculated by standardizing the sizes of products, and with monetary transactions true to exchange rates on 1st June 2017.

Steve Klooster

“It is very interesting for travelers who are planning their trip to see how much the price of spending a day at the beach varies across the world. There are many useful tips in here. One to easily forget, currency fluctuations can make a big difference in the actual cost of your holiday, so keep those in mind. For example, beaches in the UK have become almost 10% more affordable for continental European visitors due to the decline of the pound after the Brexit referendum.” Said TravelBird CEO Steven Klooster. “Also, if you are keen on enjoying local food on the beach, pick Vietnam for instance, where you can enjoy delicious local food on the beach that is very affordable. Another one: in some places you pay a lot for sunscreen, up to 3 times more than you would pay in The Netherlands, so make sure you take some with you!“

The study reveals the 10 most expensive beaches are:

#

Beach

Country

Sunscreen

Water

Beer

Ice-cream

Lunch

Total (USD)

1

Kristiansand Beach

Norway

$21.58

$2.65

$8.48

$4.53

$27.37

$64.61

2

Huk Beach

Norway

$20.67

$2.97

$8.83

$5.09

$24.38

$61.94

3

Solastranda

Norway

$20.14

$2.83

$7.63

$4.71

$25.02

$60.33

4

Mareto Plage Publique

French Polynesia

$21.96

$2.01

$7.30

$3.99

$23.43

$58.69

5

La Plage de Maui

French Polynesia

$20.88

$2.01

$7.49

$3.53

$24.49

$58.40

6

Åkrasanden

Norway

$22.26

$2.57

$8.47

$4.24

$20.44

$57.98

7

Hamresanden

Norway

$22.97

$2.39

$7.42

$4.35

$20.01

$57.14

8

Ribersborg Beach

Sweden

$17.38

$2.12

$6.79

$3.31

$25.73

$55.33

9

Anse Vata

New Caledonia

$15.33

$1.82

$7.42

$2.28

$28.29

$55.14

10

Anse Georgette

Seychelles

$26.63

$0.94

$6.89

$1.24

$17.66

$53.36

Most expensive beach according to study- Kristiansand Beach, Norway. image: kristiansand.norway.com

In contrast, the study reveals the 10 most affordable beaches are:

#

Beach

Country

Sunscreen

Water

Beer

Ice-cream

Lunch

Total (USD)

310

Cua Dai Beach

Vietnam

$1.95

$0.50

$2.04

$0.88

$7.81

$13.18

309

City Beach

Vietnam

$2.32

$0.33

$2.14

$0.88

$8.23

$13.90

308

Long Beach

Vietnam

$2.57

$0.43

$2.09

$0.99

$8.34

$14.42

307

Marsa Nayzak

Egypt

$6.61

$0.21

$1.96

$0.83

$6.83

$16.44

306

Sunken City

Egypt

$7.12

$0.20

$2.02

$0.84

$6.64

$16.82

305

Varkala Beach

India

$3.98

$0.37

$3.32

$0.73

$9.21

$17.61

304

Benaulim Beach

India

$4.65

$0.31

$3.20

$0.61

$9.15

$17.92

303

Palolem Beach

India

$4.65

$0.24

$3.13

$0.67

$9.52

$18.21

302

Cavelossim Beach

India

$4.65

$0.37

$3.41

$0.83

$9.15

$18.41

301

Sharm El-Naga Bay

Egypt

$7.12

$0.21

$1.96

$0.84

$8.44

$18.57

Most affordable beach according to study- Cua Dai Beach, Vietnam. image: vietnamguidenews.com

Click here for the full results: https://travelbird.nl/beach-price-index-2017/

4 Canadian beaches appear in the Index, with the following results:

#

Beach

Region

Sunscreen

Water

Beer

Ice-cream

Lunch

Total (USD)

118

Grand Beach

Manitoba

$9.15

$1.61

$3.59

$2.89

$20.90

$38.14

121

Brady’s Beach

British Columbia

$9.28

$1.74

$3.65

$3.00

$20.00

$37.67

136

Wasaga Beach

Ontario

$9.15

$1.70

$3.59

$3.38

$19.08

$36.90

149

Parlee Beach

New Brunswick

$8.87

$1.66

$3.57

$2.95

$18.87

$35.92

Grand Beach, Manitoba. image: travelmanitoba.com

Other findings from the study include:

Sun cream is most expensive when bought from beaches in The Seychelles, costing $26.63 for a 200ml bottle. In comparison, Cua Dai Beach in Vietnam has the world’s least expensive sun cream, costing just $1.95 per bottle.

The seaside location with the most expensive bottle of water is Huk Beach in Norway, costing $2.97 for a 500ml bottle. The beach with the least expensive bottle of water is Sunken City in Egypt, where the same sized bottle costs just $0.20.

The beach with the most expensive beer globally is Huk Beach in Norway, where a 33cl bottle costs $8.83. In contrast, Soma Bay in Egypt is the seaside destination with the least expensive beer, available for just $0.63.

Norway’s Huk Beach also has the world’s most expensive ice creams, at $5.09 each. Egypt’s El Gouna is the beach with the least expensive ice creams in the world, costing just $0.52.

West Palm Beach in the American state of Florida has the world’s most expensive seaside lunch, costing $28.61 for one person. Egypt’s El Gouna is the beach with the most affordable lunches, available for just $5.63.

About our friends at TravelBird: TravelBird is an online travel company offering a curated collection of holiday and travel experiences – from short inspirational breaks to international get-aways. TravelBird’s passionate local travel advisors work directly with tour operators across the world to offer a selection of travel experiences that invite travellers to discover something new and immerse themselves in different cultures. For more information, please visit: https://travelbird.nl

Methodology:

The study has 310 of the most visited beaches in 70 countries based on local tourism board numbers and data from the UNWTO.  

Total Price = $ Sunscreen + $ Water + $ Beer + $ Ice-cream +$ Lunch

Sunscreen costs calculated by taking an average cost from a store in local resort/hotel, a hostel and local pharmacy or supermarket (all where available). We searched for SPF 30, 200 ml.

Lunch costs calculated by taking full meal cost, including a drink and dessert, for one person from a walking distance of maximum 10 minutes from the beach or the closest establishments to it (largely within tourist areas), outlets include hotels and restaurants.

Beer costs were calculated by taking an average of the biggest local beer brand along with the retail cost of Heineken, Budweiser, Becks, Guinness and Fosters at local prices, where available. Where sizes were not available, calculations were undertaken to make serving sizes equal.

Water calculations were found by taking the three largest local brands and calculating an average of these.

Ice-cream costs calculated by taking an average prepackaged branded ice-cream price in the capital city of each country and applying consumer produce cost differences to each area, where applicable.  For the Silo, Ricky Sutton.

Featured image- Wasaga Beach, Ontario courtesy of expedia.com

Philanthropy

1000 Apple Trees At Röbäcksdalen Fully Funded Via Kickstarter For Brännland Cider

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Brännland Cider logotype

Brännland Cider’s new apple terroir at Röbäcksdalen in Umeå, Sweden.

At the beginning of November Brännland Cider, an international award winning cider producer in Umeå, Sweden, where I happen to work,  started a Kickstarter campaign called “1000 apple trees at Röbäcksdalen”, to fund the creation of an orchard and the start new apple terroir in their Northern home county of Västerbotten, not very far from the Arctic Circle.

30 days later, after international attention and countless shares on social media, the campaign is now fully funded. The funds have streamed in from private backers, businesses and institutions in the region and foreign backers in the markets where Brännland Cider is present, in the form of adoptions of the trees planted in the orchard.

Funding is primarily earmarked for research into organic farming practices and all research results and knowledge derived from the orchard will be shared with anyone who wants to grow fruit in Northern Sweden. The ultimate long term goal is to create a new apple terroir for cider production.

We’re totally amazed by the support that’s been coming in from our local as well as the national and international communities. In the past four years we’ve striven to produce the best cider and ice cider possible using the best Swedish apples. It is fantastic to see that our work has inspired confidence enough in what we do, that people want to lend us this kind of support.

Me in my happy place!
Me in my happy place!

The next step for Brännland Cider is to create a dedicated web for the orchard where adopters can follow their specific tree through the seasons. In spring time, a limited edition cider will be produced and offered only to the backers of the Kickstarter campaign as a celebration of the funding of 1000 apple trees at Röbäcksdalen. For the Silo, Andreas Sundgren Graniti, CEO Brännland Cider AB.


Prizes and Awards: www.brannlandcider.se/index.php/awards

Brännland Cider producerar iscider och cider på 100% svenska äpplen för en nationell och internationell marknad. Bolagets första årgång Brännland Iscider, ett isvin producerat på äpplen med sitt historiska ursprung i Kanada, släpptes 2012.

Supplemental- Ottawa’s Trees need your help! Adopt-a-tree.